UPSTREAM

In a small Alaskan town where sunlight—or the lack thereof—dominates everyone’s lives, senior Marty narrates this understated yet compelling story that pulls readers into the mystery surrounding the loss of her naturalist boyfriend, Steven. As Marty’s involvement is slowly revealed throughout the year, this “true Alaska girl” realizes that she must leave the land she loves once she has graduated from high school. Juxtaposed to Marty is Katherine, the new owner of the movie theater where Marty works, who has relocated to Alaska to escape her past. From Marty, Katherine learns to fly fish; from Katherine, Marty learns that change can be healing. Also of interest in the story are the alternative family dynamics that make up the norm of Alaskan life. Marty’s mother is a supervisor on an all-female construction crew, while her father makes occasional but meaningful visits when his Coast Guard ship is docked. Lion continues to be a YA author to watch. (Fiction. YA)